DHARAMSHALA, April 6: Chinese police in occupied Tibet’s Nagchu County, Tibetan Autonomous Region (TAR) has reportedly offered cash reward for people who call in information of “crimes” that include efforts to promote Tibet’s national culture or language or ties to exiled spiritual leader the Dalai Lama regarded as a “separatist” by Beijing.

Washington based Radio Free Tibet reported that an official circular dated March 13, propose amounts up to 100,000 Yuan (15,856 USD) for tips on activities of “what it calls criminal gangs, a term loosely defined to include persons or organizations advocating “separatism,” a charge often leveled against Tibetans calling for greater cultural or religious rights.”

Also cash rewards up to 50,000 Yuan are also offered for information on gambling, drug trafficking, and “the abuse of religion, power, and family connections to illegally encroach on property,” as well as fundraising activities, environmental activism, money lending with exorbitant interest, and the illegal possession of firearms and ammunition.

The notice from the Nagchu County Chinese police also say that identity of the informers will be kept confidential.

Chinese authorities have employed tactics such as these on furtive and larger scales over the years, especially in cities in occupied Tibet. A former Tibetan political prisoner described the environment on the streets of Lhasa to be one of fear and suspicion due to overwhelming number of plain clothed police and informants, on the payroll of China.